Free Salby (Book 2): Salby Evolution by Ian D. Moore Page B

okay?”
    “Got that. Don’t you be worrying about me. You just be sure that if it is another outbreak, you take every precaution. I couldn’t bear to see you become one of the deadheads,” Nathan added.
    “Ahem! We’re ready to fly—shall we?” Gladstone interjected.
    *****
    The journey, from the western edges of Africa, straight up into the freezing northern Russian territories, wasn’t one the team had any inclination to make again. The flight lasted well over twelve hours, accounting for a refuelling stop in Germany at one of the largest UK forces military bases in the world.
    Throughout, total radio silence prevailed as the pilots, alternating control of the helicopter, spoke only for confirmation of other nearby aircraft, or to gain permission to enter foreign airspace. The scenery changed from warm, sunny views out over the mountains to close cloud cover. All the team could do was attempt to get some rest.
    As the helicopter began to descend through the soup, visibility improved slightly, not that it helped much in the passenger compartments, due to the dark tints on the windows. A near textbook landing signalled the end of the arduous flight and the beginning of a stress-acid, queasy feeling for Evie.
    When the all clear was given to disembark, a team which consisted of several suits, a couple of uniforms, and a solitary recognisable face—Charles Fitzgerald—stood waiting to greet them.
    “Evelyn. Good to see you. I wish it could have been on better terms. I never did take you up on that offer of dinner, did I?” Charles asked.
    “Fitz! Am I glad to see you! Where did you find the goon squad here? I’m glad to be standing, that’s a hell of a flight. Who’s the greetings party? You know Nathan, I mean, Sergeant Cross, not sure if you’ve met Staff Sergeant Chris Stewall.” Evie embraced Charles before turning to Nathan and Stewey to introduce them, “Boys, this is Colonel Charles Fitzgerald, retired, my old boss. Former chief medical officer, bio-sciences liaison, mentor, and gentleman—to quote but a few of his qualities,” Evie beamed.
    Dressed in a tweed suit, reminiscent of a private school professor, his shoes polished to a gleam, the impression was accented further by the trademark bowtie at his collar. Charles leaned in to shake the hands of both men.
    “You are too kind, Evelyn. Gentlemen. Nathan, good to see you again, you are looking much better than the last time we met, I must say. How’s that leg, any troubles? That was my handiwork, you know. It was my last surgical operation before my retirement.” Charles smiled as he shook Nathan’s hand, his grip surprisingly firm for a man of his years.
    “You did a fine job, Sir. I am extremely grateful,” Nathan replied, unable to suppress the shiver which ran through him at the mention of that time.
    “Staff Sergeant Stewall, a pleasure to meet you, indeed,” Charles offered.
    “Likewise, Sir. Lieutenant Colonel Shepherd has told me a lot about you over the last few months. It seems you two go way back.”
    “Many more years than either of us care to remember, I should think. Now, to the business at hand. I took the liberty to arrange a heads-up meeting, after you have all had a chance to refresh yourselves from the flight, naturally. We’ll assemble in one hour and I’ll send someone for you. The port has already been sealed off by the Russian military. I am still in the process of obtaining authorisation for us to enter, hence the short break available. Use the time wisely. If we are granted access, it’s going to be a long, long night. That’s all I have, for now, dismissed.” Charles coughed and brought his hand to his chest before adding, “Do forgive me, old habits die hard. Belay that order, I’ll see you in an hour.”
    “Ever the character, isn’t he?” Nathan smiled.
    “He is exceptionally good at what he does. Don’t let that confused gentleman look fool you, it’s just his way. I feel a lot better knowing